U.S. patent application number 14/664782 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-24 for systems and methods for sharing digital content in fragments.
The applicant listed for this patent is YouSlide Development Inc.. Invention is credited to David James HUDSON, Scott Robert LAUDER, Kristopher Grant SUTHERLAND.
Application Number | 20150269393 14/664782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54142415 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150269393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LAUDER; Scott Robert ; et
al. |
September 24, 2015 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SHARING DIGITAL CONTENT IN FRAGMENTS
Abstract
The invention is directed to improved systems, methods, and
media for sharing digital content through social media. More
particularly, the invention provides for sharing digital content
using fragments. In some embodiments, two users share digital
content with one other, where each digital content being shared is
obscured and overlaid by fragments. Each user will take a turn to
select a fragment to be revealed from the digital content being
shared, and both users continue revealing fragments until all
fragments are revealed. The revealed digital content can be further
updated from an obscured format to an unobscured format. The
revealed digital content can be available for both users to view
for a predetermined period before it is deleted or recalled.
Inventors: |
LAUDER; Scott Robert;
(Delta, CA) ; SUTHERLAND; Kristopher Grant; (North
Vancouver, CA) ; HUDSON; David James; (Fredericton,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YouSlide Development Inc. |
Delta |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
54142415 |
Appl. No.: |
14/664782 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61968921 |
Mar 21, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
726/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 21/6245 20130101;
G06F 21/6263 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/62 20060101
G06F021/62 |
Claims
1. A method for sharing digital content in fragments, comprising:
(a) receiving, at a first user device, a selection of a first
digital content; (b) sending, at the first user device, the first
digital content to a server or a second user device; (c) receiving,
at the first user device, from the server or the second user
device, a second digital content; (d) generating and displaying, at
the first user device, a second digital content packet comprising:
obscuring the second digital content to generate a second obscured
digital content, and overlaying a screen comprising a second
plurality of fragments, wherein the screen overlays on top of the
second obscured digital content; (e) receiving, at the first user
device, a selection of at least one fragment from (1) a first
plurality of fragments associated with the first digital content
from the server or the second user device, or (2) the second
plurality of fragments, and in response: if the selection of the at
least one fragment is from the first plurality of fragments from
the server or the second user device, updating, at the first user
device, the second digital content packet by removing at least one
counterpart fragment from the second plurality of fragments to
reveal at least one underlying portion of the second obscured
digital content, and if the selection of the at least one fragment
is from the second plurality of fragments, updating, at the first
user device, the second digital content packet by removing the
selected at least one fragment from the second plurality of
fragments to reveal at least one underlying portion of the second
obscured digital content; (f) repeating, at the first user device,
step (e) until all of the second plurality of fragments are removed
and the first user device receives an indication from the server or
the second user device that all of the first plurality of fragments
are removed; and (g) revealing the second digital content.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the
first device, a request from the first user device, the server, or
the second user device to terminate the sharing of digital content
during at least one of steps (a) to (g); and in response, (1)
preventing, at the first user device, from sending the first
digital content to the second user device or the server, and (2)
deleting, at the first user device, the second digital content.
3. The method of claim 1, where repeating, at the first user
device, step (e), further comprises: if the selection of the at
least one fragment is from the second plurality of fragments,
sending, at the first user device, the selection of the at least
one fragment from the second plurality of fragments to the server
or the second user device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fragments
and the second plurality of fragments have a same number of
fragments.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first plurality of fragments
and the second plurality of fragments have a same arrangement of
fragments.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the selected at least one
fragment and the at least one counterpart fragment have symmetric
locations.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fragments
and the second plurality of fragments are arranged in at least one
of adjacent rectangles, a grid pattern, an interlocking pattern,
and a geometric pattern.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein obscuring the first digital
content and obscuring the second digital content comprise at least
one of blurring, pixelation, blacking out, graying out, blending,
and overlaying with another digital content.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the
first user device, a digital content expiration time from the first
user device, the server, or the second user device; and deleting,
at the first user device, the second digital content from the first
user device when the digital content expiration time is
reached.
10. An apparatus for sharing digital content in fragments,
comprising: a memory that stores a data processing module; and a
processor configured to run the data processing module stored in
the memory that is configured to: (a) receive a selection of a
first digital content; (b) send the first digital content to a
server or a second user device; (c) receive a second digital
content from the server or the second user device; (d) generate and
display a second digital content packet comprising: a second
obscured digital content that obscures the second digital content,
and a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments, wherein
the screen overlays on top of the second obscured digital content;
(e) receive a selection of at least one fragment from (1) a first
plurality of fragments associated with the first digital content
from the server or the second user device, or (2) the second
plurality of fragments, and in response: if the selection of the at
least one fragment is from the first plurality of fragments from
the server or the second user device, update the second digital
content packet by removing at least one counterpart fragment from
the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least one underlying
portion of the second obscured digital content, and if the
selection of the at least one fragment is from the second plurality
of fragments, update the second digital content packet by removing
the selected at least one fragment from the second plurality of
fragments to reveal at least one underlying portion of the second
obscured digital content; (f) repeat step (e) until (1) all of the
second plurality of fragments are removed and (2) an indication is
received from the server or the second user device that all of the
first plurality of fragments are removed; and (g) reveal the second
digital content.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data processing module
is further configured to: receive a request from the first user
device or the second user device to terminate the sharing of
digital content during at least one of steps (a) to (g); and in
response, (1) prevent from sending the first digital content to the
second user device or the server, and (2) delete the second digital
content.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data processing module
that is configured to repeat step (e) is further configured to: if
the selection of the at least one fragment is from the second
plurality of fragments, send the selection of the at least one
fragment from the second plurality of fragments to the server or
the second user device.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of
fragments and the second plurality of fragments have a same number
of fragments.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of
fragments and the second plurality of fragments have a same
arrangement of fragments.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the selected at least one
fragment and the at least one counterpart fragment have symmetric
locations.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of
fragments and the second plurality of fragments are arranged in at
least one of adjacent rectangles, a grid pattern, an interlocking
pattern, and a geometric pattern.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein obscuring the first digital
content and obscuring the second digital content comprise at least
one of blurring, pixelation, blacking out, graying out, blending,
and overlaying with another digital content.
18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data processing module
is further configured to: receive a digital content expiration time
from the first user device, the server, or the second user device;
and delete the second digital content from the first user device
when the digital content expiration time is reached.
19. A non-transitory computer readable medium having executable
instructions operable to cause an apparatus to: (a) receive a
selection of a first digital content; (b) send the first digital
content to a server or a second user device; (c) receive a second
digital content from the server or the second user device; (d)
generate and display a second digital content packet comprising: a
second obscured digital content that obscures the second digital
content, and a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments,
wherein the screen overlays on top of the second obscured digital
content; (e) receive a selection of at least one fragment from (1)
a first plurality of fragments associated with the first digital
content from the server or the second user device, or (2) the
second plurality of fragments, and in response: if the selection of
the at least one fragment is from the first plurality of fragments
from the server or the second user device, update the second
digital content packet by removing at least one counterpart
fragment from the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least
one underlying portion of the second obscured digital content, and
if the selection of the at least one fragment is from the second
plurality of fragments, update the second digital content packet by
removing the selected at least one fragment from the second
plurality of fragments to reveal at least one underlying portion of
the second obscured digital content; (f) repeat step (e) until (1)
all of the second plurality of fragments are removed and (2) an
indication is received from the server or the second user device
that all of the first plurality of fragments are removed; and (g)
reveal the second digital content.
20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19,
further comprising executable instructions operable to cause the
apparatus to: receive a digital content expiration time from the
first user device, the server, or the second user device; and
delete the second digital content from the first user device when
the digital content expiration time is reached.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/968,921, titled "Method for Sharing Images in
Fragments," which was filed on Mar. 21, 2014 and is incorporated
herein in its entirety. This application relates to co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______ (Our Docket No.:
2211045.00121-US1), titled "Systems and Methods for Sharing Digital
Content in Fragments," which is filed on Mar. 20, 2015 and is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to the field of social media, and
more particularly, to sharing digital content through social
media.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] People commonly share digital content, such as images and
documents, when they interact with one other through social media.
People share digital content for various reasons, including, for
example, to update families and friends about their lives, or to
get to know one other better.
[0006] Traditionally, when two parties share digital content, they
first agree on what digital content they plan to share, then one
party initiates the sharing process by sharing his/her digital
content, and then the other party completes the sharing process by
sharing his/her digital content. There are, however, several
problems related to this traditional approach.
[0007] First, one or both parties may not share the digital content
that was agreed upon. For example, both parties may initially agree
to share photographs of their respective self-portraits. After the
first party sends his/her self-portrait, the second party could
either (1) share a photograph that is not his/her self-portrait or
(2) not share a photograph at all. By this time, it would be too
late for the first party to cancel the digital content sharing
process or to recall the digital content that has been shared by
the first party.
[0008] Second, sometimes the first party may share abusive,
insulting, or other inappropriate content with the second party.
The second party may not know that the content is abusive or
insulting until he/she sees it. As a result, the second party may
not be able to cancel the content sharing process without first
seeing the digital content.
[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide systems and
methods for sharing digital content that overcome these and other
deficiencies of the related art.
SUMMARY
[0010] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, systems,
methods, and media are provided for sharing digital content in
fragments.
[0011] The disclosed subject matter includes a method for sharing
digital content in fragments. The method comprises: (a) receiving,
at a first user device, a selection of a first digital content; (b)
sending, at the first user device, the first digital content to a
server or a second user device; (c) receiving, at the first user
device, from the server or the second user device, a second digital
content; (d) generating and displaying, at the first user device, a
second digital content packet comprising: obscuring the second
digital content to generate a second obscured digital content, and
overlaying a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments,
wherein the screen overlays on top of the second obscured digital
content; (e) receiving, at the first user device, a selection of at
least one fragment from (1) a first plurality of fragments
associated with the first digital content from the server or the
second user device, or (2) the second plurality of fragments, and
in response: if the selection of the at least one fragment is from
the first plurality of fragments from the server or the second user
device, updating, at the first user device, the second digital
content packet by removing at least one counterpart fragment from
the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least one underlying
portion of the second obscured digital content, and if the
selection of the at least one fragment is from the second plurality
of fragments, updating, at the first user device, the second
digital content packet by removing the selected at least one
fragment from the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least
one underlying portion of the second obscured digital content; (f)
repeating, at the first user device, step (e) until all of the
second plurality of fragments are removed and the first user device
receives an indication from the server or the second user device
that all of the first plurality of fragments are removed; and (g)
revealing the second digital content.
[0012] The disclosed subject matter includes an apparatus for
sharing digital content in fragments, comprising: a memory that
stores a data processing module; and a server configured to run the
data processing module stored in the memory. The module is
configured to (a) receive a selection of a first digital content;
(b) send the first digital content to a server or a second user
device; (c) receive a second digital content from the server or the
second user device; (d) generate and display a second digital
content packet comprising: a second obscured digital content that
obscures the second digital content, and a screen comprising a
second plurality of fragments, wherein the screen overlays on top
of the second obscured digital content; (e) receive a selection of
at least one fragment from (1) a first plurality of fragments
associated with the first digital content from the server or the
second user device, or (2) the second plurality of fragments, and
in response: if the selection of the at least one fragment is from
the first plurality of fragments from the server or the second user
device, update the second digital content packet by removing at
least one counterpart fragment from the second plurality of
fragments to reveal at least one underlying portion of the second
obscured digital content, and if the selection of the at least one
fragment is from the second plurality of fragments, update the
second digital content packet by removing the selected at least one
fragment from the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least
one underlying portion of the second obscured digital content; (f)
repeat step (e) until (1) all of the second plurality of fragments
are removed and (2) an indication is received from the server or
the second user device that all of the first plurality of fragments
are removed; and (g) reveal the second digital content.
[0013] The disclosed subject matter further includes a
non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory
computer readable medium can include executable instructions
operable to cause an apparatus to (a) receive a selection of a
first digital content; (b) send the first digital content to a
server or a second user device; (c) receive a second digital
content from the server or the second user device; (d) generate and
display a second digital content packet comprising: a second
obscured digital content that obscures the second digital content,
and a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments, wherein
the screen overlays on top of the second obscured digital content;
(e) receive a selection of at least one fragment from (1) a first
plurality of fragments associated with the first digital content
from the server or the second user device, or (2) the second
plurality of fragments, and in response: if the selection of the at
least one fragment is from the first plurality of fragments from
the server or the second user device, update the second digital
content packet by removing at least one counterpart fragment from
the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least one underlying
portion of the second obscured digital content, and if the
selection of the at least one fragment is from the second plurality
of fragments, update the second digital content packet by removing
the selected at least one fragment from the second plurality of
fragments to reveal at least one underlying portion of the second
obscured digital content; (f) repeat step (e) until (1) all of the
second plurality of fragments are removed and (2) an indication is
received from the server or the second user device that all of the
first plurality of fragments are removed; and (g) reveal the second
digital content.
[0014] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features
of the disclosed subject matter in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
disclosed subject matter that will be described hereinafter and
which will form the subject matter of the claims appended
hereto.
[0015] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the disclosed subject matter in detail, it is to be understood
that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application
to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in
the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be regarded as limiting.
[0016] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, systems,
methods, and media for carrying out the several purposes of the
disclosed subject matter. It is important, therefore, that the
claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0017] These together with the other objects of the disclosed
subject matter, along with the various features of novelty which
characterize the disclosed subject matter, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure. For a better understanding of the disclosed subject
matter, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained
by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings
and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed
subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the
following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when
considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like
reference numerals identify like elements.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a digital content sharing
system in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0020] FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate a flow diagram demonstrating
an operation of sharing digital content in fragments in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
[0021] FIGS. 3(a) to 3(h) illustrate a set of exemplary displays on
a sender's user device such as a smartphone, using a portrait
orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed
subject matter.
[0022] FIGS. 4(a) to 4(h) illustrate a set of exemplary displays on
a recipient's user device such as a computer in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
[0023] FIGS. 5(a) to 5(h) illustrate a set of exemplary displays on
a sender's user device such as a smartphone, using a landscape
orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed
subject matter.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary display where a plurality of
fragments are arranged in a grid pattern on a user device in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary display where a plurality of
fragments are arranged in an interlocking pattern on a user device
in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary display where a plurality of
fragments are arranged in a geometric pattern on a user device in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
[0027] FIGS. 9(a) to 9(j) illustrate a set of exemplary displays of
obscured digital content with different obscuring methods in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary unilateral sharing process
on a user device in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed
subject matter.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a server in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth regarding the systems, methods and media of the disclosed
subject matter and the environment in which such systems, methods
and media may operate, etc., in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the disclosed subject matter. It will be apparent
to one skilled in the art, however, that the disclosed subject
matter may be practiced without such specific details, and that
certain features, which are well known in the art, are not
described in detail in order to avoid complication of the disclosed
subject matter. In addition, it will be understood that the
examples provided below are exemplary, and that it is contemplated
that there are other systems, methods and media that are within the
scope of the disclosed subject matter.
[0031] The invention is directed to improved systems, methods, and
media for sharing digital content through social media, websites,
or other applications. More particularly, the invention provides
for sharing digital content using fragments. When users share
digital content in fragments, generally each digital content being
shared is obscured and overlaid by fragments. Each user then takes
a turn to select a fragment to be revealed from the digital content
being shared until all fragments are revealed. The revealed digital
content can then be updated from an obscured format to an
unobscured format.
[0032] Sharing digital content in fragments overcomes the problems
and deficiencies associated with the traditional prior art
approach. In particular, the invention advantageously allows for
two parties sharing digital content to agree on the content and
portions of the content to share and, at any time, allows either
party can cancel the digital content sharing process. Specifically,
sharing digital content in fragments would ensure that if one party
does not share the content that was agreed upon, then the other
party can cancel the content sharing process at any time. For
example, assume two parties are having a discussion through social
media and agree to share images of their pets. If the first party
sends a fragment of an image of his/her cat and the second party
shares a fragment of an image that was not of his/her pet and/or
appears to contain material deemed inappropriate by the first
party, then the first party can cancel the digital content sharing
process without seeing the entire image.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a digital content sharing
system in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject
matter. The digital content sharing system 100 can include a
communication network 102, a server 104, and at least one user
device 106 (e.g., user device 106-1, 106-2, . . . , 106-N), a local
network storage medium 108, and a remote network storage medium
110. The components described in the digital content sharing system
100 can be further broken down into more than one component and/or
combined together in any suitable arrangement. Further, one or more
components can be rearranged, changed, added, and/or removed. The
terms "share" and "sharing" are used herein to refer to
multilateral sharing, bilateral sharing, which can also refer to as
exchanging, and unilateral sharing.
[0034] Each user device 106 can send digital content to, and
receive digital content from, the server 104 over the communication
network 102. Each user device 106 can be directly coupled to the
server 104; alternatively, each user device 106 can be connected to
server 104 via any other suitable device, communication network, or
combination thereof. For example, each user device 106 can be
coupled to the server 104 via one or more routers, switches, access
points, and/or communication networks (as described below in
connection with communication network 102). A user device 106 can
include a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a tablet computer, a
cellular device including a smartphone, or any other suitable
computing system that is capable of performing computation. The
server 104 can be a single server, or a network of servers, or a
farm of servers in a data center. Digital content includes, without
limitation, video, streaming video, images, photographs, documents,
and any files with extension types including, without limitation,
jpg, jpeg, jpeg2000, tiff, gif, bmp, png, wmv, rm, rmvb, asf, mp4,
mpeg, and avi.
[0035] The communication network 102 can include a network or
combination of networks that can accommodate private data
communication. For example, the communication network 102 can
include a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN)
coupled to the LAN, a private cellular network, a private telephone
network, a private computer network, a private packet switching
network, a private line switching network, a private wide area
network (WAN), a corporate network, or any number of private
networks that can be referred to as an Intranet. Such networks may
be implemented with any number of hardware and software components,
transmission media and network protocols. FIG. 1 shows the
communication network 102 as a single network; however, the
communication network 102 can include multiple interconnected
networks listed above.
[0036] The server 104 can be coupled to a network storage system.
The network storage system can include two types of network storage
devices: a local network storage medium 108 and a remote network
storage medium 110. The local network storage medium 108 and the
remote network storage medium 110 can each include at least one
physical, non-transitory storage medium, flash memory, a magnetic
disk drive, an optical drive, a programmable read-only memory
(PROM), a read-only memory (ROM), or any other memory or
combination of memories. The local network storage medium 108 and
the remote network storage medium 110 can be part of the server 104
or can be separated from the server 104.
[0037] The digital sharing process disclosed in this invention can
be implemented as part of social media or social network sites
(e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tinder, or other social medial
or social network sites). The digital sharing process disclosed in
this invention can also be implemented as a separate application,
and users can log into the separate application without any login
credentials, through dedicated login credentials, or through other
social media or social network accounts such as Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, or Tinder. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate a flow diagram
illustrating a process 200 for sharing digital content in fragments
in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
Process 200 begins at step 202 in which a first user at a first
user device 106-1 initiates a digital content sharing operation by
sending an invitation, which can be directed for to a second user
at a second user device 106-2, to a server 104. In some
embodiments, the first user can select a second user from the first
user's contact list, where the contact list can include, without
limitation, the first user's social media or social network
account, the first user's contact information stored on the first
user device 106-1 or other storage medium, or a contact list that
the first user just created. In some embodiments, the first user
can select a second user based on geographic location. For example,
the first user can select a second user who is located within a
certain specified distance of the first user. The distance can be
predetermined by the application or can be specified by the first
user (e.g., by specifying a region on any suitable mapping
application, by entering a zip code, by entering a state or city,
by specifying a radius within a certain mile or other distance). In
some embodiments, the digital content sharing process can use GPS
circuitry included in the first user device 106-1 to determine the
location of the first user and the location of any other users
and/or the first user's contacts. In some embodiments, the first
user can select a second user who is using the same digital content
sharing system, application, or software as the first user. In some
embodiments, the first user can select a second user randomly
through the server 104. In some embodiments, the first user can
select to send the invitation to more than one second user.
[0038] Along with the invitation, the first user at the first user
device 106-1 can select and send a first digital content to be
shared with the second user to the server 104 or the second user
device 106-2. In some embodiments, the first digital content can
include images or videos that are captured in real time after the
first user initiated process 200. In some embodiments, the first
digital content can include images or videos that are stored in the
first user device 106-1 or other storage medium. In some
embodiments, the first user or the server 104 can select a digital
content expiration time, which indicates how long both users can
view the shared digital content shared before it is deleted or
recalled by the server 104 or user devices. As non-limiting
examples, the digital content expiration time can be 3 seconds, 8
seconds, 1 minute, or any other duration.
[0039] In step 204, the server 104 sends the invitation from the
first user device 106-1 to the second user at a second user device
106-2. In some embodiments, the second user device 106-2 can alert
the second user that an invitation has been received for sharing
digital content. As non-limiting examples, the second user device
106-2 can alert the second user by vibrating, beeping, ringing,
popping up a message on the display of the second user device
106-2, and displaying a symbol on the digital content sharing
application.
[0040] In step 206, the second user at the second user device 106-2
reviews the invitation and decides either to accept or decline the
invitation. If the second user declines the invitation from the
first user, process 200 moves to step 208 where the second user
device 106-2 sends a message to the first user device 106-1 via the
server 104 indicating that the second user has declined the sharing
of the digital content. Process 200 then ends at step 210, and the
second user device 106-2 will not receive the first digital content
sent by the first user device 106-1.
[0041] If the second user accepts the invitation from the first
user, process 200 moves to step 212 where the second user at the
second user device 106-2 can then select and send a second digital
content to be shared with the first user to the server 104 or the
first user device 106-1. In some embodiments, the second digital
content can include images or videos that are captured in real time
by the second user. In some embodiments, the second digital content
can include images or videos that are stored in the second user
device 106-2 or other storage medium. In some embodiments, the
second user or server 104 can select a digital content expiration
time, which indicates how long both users can view the shared
digital content shared before it is deleted or recalled by the
server 104 or the user devices.
[0042] Next, at step 214, the server 104 generates a first digital
content packet, which includes an obscured first digital content
that is overlaid by a screen comprising a first plurality of
fragments. The server 104 also generates a second digital content
packet, which includes an obscured second digital content that is
overlaid by a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments.
Throughout this application, the obscured first digital content
refers to the first digital content in an obscured format, and the
obscured second digital content refers to the second digital
content in an obscured format. The server 104 then sends the first
image packet to the second user device 106-2 for display and the
second image packet to the first user device 106-1 for display. The
digital content can be obscured through any suitable obscuring
method or combination of methods, including, without limitation,
blurring, pixelation, blacking out, graying out, blending,
overlaying with another image, changing opacity level, adding
noise, adding obscuring effect, changing brightness, or other
suitable obscuring method. Either user or the server 104 can select
one or more obscuring methods. In some embodiments, the overlaying
screen can comprise any suitable number of fragments (e.g., 2, 3,
4, 7, or 10). In some embodiments, the first plurality of fragments
and the second plurality of fragments can have a same number of
fragments. In some embodiments, the first plurality of fragments
and the second plurality of fragments can have a different number
of fragments. Further, the overlaying screen can comprise a
plurality of fragments arranged in different patterns. For example,
the overlaying screen can comprise a plurality of fragments
arranged in adjacent rectangles, a grid pattern, an interlocking or
puzzle pattern, or any other suitable geometric patterns. In some
embodiments, the first plurality of fragments and the second
plurality of fragments can be arranged in a same pattern. In some
embodiments, the first plurality of fragments and the second
plurality of fragments can be arranged in different patterns.
Either users or the server 104 can select the number of fragments
and the arrangement pattern of the fragments.
[0043] In some embodiments at step 214, the first user device
106-1, rather than the server 104, (1) generates a first digital
content packet, which includes an obscured first digital content
that is overlaid by a screen comprising a first plurality of
fragments, and (2) sends the first digital content packet to the
server 104. In the same embodiments, the second user device 106-2,
rather than the server 104, (1) generates a second digital content
packet, which includes an obscured second digital content that is
overlaid by a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments,
and (2) sends the second digital content packet to the server 104.
The server 104 then sends the first image packet to the second user
device 106-2 for display and the second image packet to the first
user device 106-1 for display.
[0044] In some embodiments at step 214, the first user device 106-1
receives the second digital content from the server 104 or the
second user device 106-2, and second user device 106-2 receives the
first digital content from the server 104 or the first user device
106-1. In some embodiments, the first user device 106-1 may have
received the second digital content from the server 104 or the
second user device 106-2 at an earlier step, and the second user
device 106-1 may have received the first digital content from the
server 104 or the first user device 106-1 at an earlier step. In
the same embodiments, the second user device 106-2, rather than the
server 104 or the first user device 106-1, generates and displays a
first digital content packet, which includes an obscured first
digital content that is overlaid by a screen comprising a first
plurality of fragments. In the same embodiments, the first user
device 106-1, rather than the server 104 or the second user device
106-2, generates and displays a second digital content packet,
which includes an obscured second digital content that is overlaid
by a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments.
[0045] In step 216, the second user selects one of the first
plurality of fragments from the second user device 106-2. The
server 104 receives the second user's selection from the second
user device 106-2 and, in response, updates the first digital
content packet by removing the one of the first plurality of
fragments to reveal an underlying portion of the first obscured
digital content. In some embodiments, the server 104 also
automatically updates the second digital content packet by removing
one counterpart fragment of the second plurality of fragments to
reveal an underlying portion of the second obscured digital
content. In some embodiments, the counterpart fragment of the
second plurality of fragments has a symmetric, similar, or
different location and/or size as the one of the first plurality of
fragments selected by the second user. As an example, if the second
user selects to remove a leftmost fragment of the first digital
content packet, the server 104 can also remove a counterpart
leftmost fragment of the second digital content packet. In some
embodiments, the server 104 does not automatically update the
second digital content packet for the first user after the
selection of the second user. Instead, the first user may need to
select a counterpart fragment of the second plurality of fragments:
the server 104 receives the first user's selection from the first
user device 106-1 and, in response, updates the second digital
content packet by removing the counterpart fragment of the second
plurality of fragments to reveal an underlying portion of the
second obscured digital content. Users can indicate their selection
of fragments by touching user devices through any suitable
gestures. As an example, users can select a particular fragment by
sliding up, down, left, or right on that particular fragment. As
another example, users can select a particular fragment by
clicking, tapping, or double tapping that particular fragment. In
some embodiments, each user can select to remove more than one
fragment at the same time. Step 216 is described in the context of
the second user selecting one of the first plurality of fragments
from the second user device 106-2; however, in an alternative
embodiment step 216 can describe the first user selecting one of
the second plurality of fragments from the first user device 106-1.
That is, the roles of the first user and the second user can be
reversed.
[0046] In some embodiments at step 216, the second user selects one
of the first plurality of fragments from the second user device
106-2. The second user device 106-2, rather than the server 104,
updates the first digital content packet by removing the one of the
first plurality of fragments to reveal an underlying portion of the
first obscured digital content. In some embodiments, the second
user device 106-2 then sends the selection information to the
server 104 or the first user device 106-2. In some embodiments, the
first user device 106-1 receives the second user's selection from
the second user device 106-2 or the server 104 and automatically
updates the second digital content packet by removing one
counterpart fragment of the second plurality of fragments to reveal
an underlying portion of the second obscured digital content. In
some embodiments, the counterpart fragment of the second plurality
of fragments has a symmetric, similar, or different location and/or
size as the one of the first plurality of fragments selected by the
second user. As an example, if the second user selects to remove a
leftmost fragment of the first digital content packet at the second
user device 106-2, the first user device 106-1 can also remove a
counterpart leftmost fragment of the second digital content packet.
In some embodiments, the first user device 106-1 does not
automatically update the second digital content packet for the
first user after the selection of the second user. Instead, the
first user may need to select a counterpart fragment of the second
plurality of fragments: the first user device 106-1 then updates
the second digital content packet by removing the counterpart
fragment of the second plurality of fragments to reveal an
underlying portion of the second obscured digital content. In step
216, if the first user device 106-1 updates the second digital
content packet, then the first user device 106-1 holds and does not
display the updated second digital content packet for the first
user in step 216. Also in step 216, if the second user device 106-2
updates the first digital content packet, then the second user
device 106-2 holds and does not display the updated first digital
content packet for the second user in step 216.
[0047] In step 218, the server 104 checks whether at least one of
the first user and the second user selects to cancel the process
200. In some embodiments at step 218, the first user device 106-1
checks whether the first user selects to cancel the process 200,
and the second user device 106-2 checks whether the second user
selects to cancel the process 200. If no user selects to cancel the
digital content sharing process, process 200 proceeds to step 222.
In some embodiments, both users need to affirmatively select to
continue for process 200 to proceed to step 222. If at least one
user selects to cancel the digital content sharing process, process
200 ends in step 220. In step 220, the server 104 can further send
a cancellation notification to both the first user at the first
user device 106-1 and the second user at the second user device
106-2. In some embodiments, the user or users who selects to cancel
process 200 can have the option to send a message to the other user
along with the cancellation notification. In some embodiments, the
user or users who selects to cancel process 200 can have the option
to send the other user a new request for sharing digital
content.
[0048] In step 222, the server 104 sends the updated first digital
content packet to the second user device 106-2 and the updated
second digital content packet to the first user device 106-1. As
illustrated in step 216, the updated digital content packets can
reveal at least one portion of the obscured digital content that
was covered by one or more fragments that have been selected for
removal. In some embodiments, the revealed portion of the obscured
digital content can be displayed in its original unobscured format
for a period of time. The period of time can be selected by the
users or the server 104.
[0049] In some embodiments in step 222, the first user device 106-1
has already updated the second digital content packet in step 216,
and the second user device 106-2 has already updated the first
digital content packet in step 216. The first user device 106-1
then displays the updated second digital content packet, and the
second user device 106-2 then displays the updated first digital
content packet.
[0050] In step 224, the server 104 determines whether all of the
first plurality of fragments and all of the second plurality of
fragments have been removed. In some embodiments at step 224, the
first user device 106-1 checks whether all of the second plurality
of fragments have been removed, and the second user device 106-2
checks whether all of the first plurality of fragments have been
removed. If all of the first plurality of fragments and all of the
second plurality of fragments have been removed, process 200
proceeds to step 236; otherwise, process 200 proceeds to step
226.
[0051] In step 226, the first user selects another one of the
second plurality of fragments from the first user device 106-1. The
server 104 receives the first user's selection from the first user
device 106-1 and, in response, updates the second digital content
packet by removing the another one of the second plurality of
fragments to reveal an underlying portion of the second obscured
digital content. In some embodiments, the server 104 also
automatically updates the first digital content packet by removing
another counterpart fragment of the first plurality of fragments to
reveal an underlying portion of the first obscured digital content.
In some embodiments, the another counterpart fragment of the first
plurality of fragments has a symmetric, similar, or different
location and/or size as the another one of the second plurality of
fragments selected by the first user. As an example, if the first
user selects to remove a rightmost fragment of the second digital
content packet, the server 104 can also remove a counterpart
rightmost fragment of the first digital content packet. In some
embodiments, the server 104 does not automatically update the first
digital content packet for the second user after the selection of
the first user. Instead, the second user may need to select another
counterpart fragment of the first plurality of fragments: the
server 104 receives the second user's selection from the second
user device 106-2 and, in response, updates the first digital
content packet by removing the another counterpart fragment of the
first plurality of fragments to reveal an underlying portion of the
first obscured digital content. Users can indicate their selection
of fragments by touching user devices through any suitable
gestures. As an example, users can select a particular fragment by
sliding up, down, left, or right on that particular fragment. As
another example, users can select a particular fragment by
clicking, tapping, or double tapping that particular fragment. In
some embodiments, each user can select to remove more than one
fragment at the same time. Step 226 is described in the context of
the first user selecting another one of the second plurality of
fragments from the first user device 106-1; however, in an
alternative embodiment step 226 can describe the second user
selecting another one of the first plurality of fragments from the
second user device 106-2. That is, the roles of the first user and
the second user can be reversed.
[0052] In some embodiments in step 226, the first user selects
another one of the second plurality of fragments from the first
user device 106-1. The first user device 106-1, rather than the
server 104, updates the second digital content packet by removing
the another one of the second plurality of fragments to reveal an
underlying portion of the second obscured digital content. In some
embodiments, the first user device 106-1 then sends the selection
information to the server 104 or the second user device 106-2. In
some embodiments, the second user device 106-2 receives the first
user's selection from the first user device 106-1 or the server 104
and automatically updates the first digital content packet by
removing another counterpart fragment of the first plurality of
fragments to reveal an underlying portion of the first obscured
digital content. In some embodiments, the another counterpart
fragment of the first plurality of fragments has a symmetric,
similar, or different location and/or size as the another one of
the second plurality of fragments selected by the first user. As an
example, if the first user selects to remove a rightmost fragment
of the second digital content packet, the second user device 106-2
can also remove a counterpart rightmost fragment of the first
digital content packet. In some embodiments, the second user device
106-2 does not automatically update the first digital content
packet for the second user after the selection of the first user.
Instead, the second user may need to select another counterpart
fragment of the first plurality of fragments: the second user
device 106-2 then updates the first digital content packet by
removing the another counterpart fragment of the first plurality of
fragments to reveal an underlying portion of the first obscured
digital content. In step 226, if the first user device 106-1
updates the second digital content packet, then the first user
device 106-1 holds and does not display the updated second digital
content packet for the first user in step 226. Also in step 226, if
the second user device 106-2 updates the first digital content
packet, then the second user device 106-2 holds and does not
display the updated first digital content packet for the second
user in step 226.
[0053] In step 228, the server 104 checks whether at least one of
the first user and the second user selects to cancel the process
200. In some embodiments, the first user device 106-1, rather than
the server 104, checks whether the first user selects to cancel the
process 200, and the second user device 106-2, rather than the
server 104, checks whether the second user selects to cancel the
process 200. If no user selects to cancel the digital content
sharing process, process 200 proceeds to step 232. In some
embodiments, both users need to affirmatively select to continue
for process 200 to proceed to step 232. If at least one user
selects to cancel the digital content sharing process, process 200
ends in step 230. In step 230, the server 104 can further send a
cancellation notification to both the first user at the first user
device 106-1 and the second user at the second user device 106-2.
In some embodiments, the user or users who selects to cancel
process 200 can have the option to send a message to the other user
along with the cancellation notification. In some embodiments, the
user or users who selects to cancel process 200 can have the option
to send the other user a new request for sharing digital
content.
[0054] In step 232, the server 104 sends the updated first digital
content packet to the second user device 106-2 and the updated
second digital content packet to the first user device 106-1. As
illustrated in step 226, the updated digital content packets can
reveal at least another portion of the obscured digital content
that was covered by one or more fragments that have been selected
for removal. In some embodiments, the revealed portion of the
obscured digital content can be displayed in its original
unobscured format for a period of time. The period of time can be
selected by the users or the server 104.
[0055] In some embodiments in step 232, the first user device 106-1
has already updated the second digital content packet in step 226,
and the second user device 106-2 has already updated the first
digital content packet in step 226. The first user device 106-1
then displays the updated second digital content packet, and the
second user device 106-2 then displays the updated first digital
content packet.
[0056] In step 234, the server 104 determines whether all of the
first plurality of fragments and all of the second plurality of
fragments have been removed. In some embodiments, the first user
device 106-1, rather than the server 104, determines whether all of
the first plurality of fragments have been removed, and the second
user device 106-2, rather than the server 104, determines whether
all of the second plurality of fragments have been removed. If all
of the first plurality of fragments and all of the second plurality
of fragments have been removed, process 200 proceeds to step 236;
otherwise, process 200 returns to step 216.
[0057] In step 236, the server 104 checks whether at least one of
the first user and the second user selects to cancel the process
200. In some embodiments, the first user device 106-1, rather than
the server 104, checks whether the first user selects to cancel the
process 200, and the second user device 106-2, rather than the
server 104, checks whether the second user selects to cancel the
process 200. If no user selects to cancel the digital content
sharing process, process 200 proceeds to step 238. In some
embodiments, both users need to affirmatively select to continue
for process 200 to proceed to step 238. If at least one user
selects to cancel the digital content sharing process, process 200
ends in step 240. In step 240, the server 104 can further send a
cancellation notification to both the first user at the first user
device 106-1 and the second user at the second user device 106-2.
In some embodiments, the user or users who selects to cancel
process 200 can have the option to send a message to the other user
along with the cancellation notification. In some embodiments, the
user or users who selects to cancel process 200 can have the option
to send the other user a new request for sharing digital
content.
[0058] In step 238, the server 104 sends the unobscured first
digital content to the second user device 106-2 and the unobscured
second image to the first user device 106-1. In some embodiments in
step 238, the first user device 106-1 has already received the
second digital content at step 238 or an earlier step, and the
second user device 106-2 has already received the first digital
content at step 238 or an earlier step. The first user device 106-1
then displays the second digital content, and the second user
device 106-2 then displays the first digital content. In some
embodiments, the unobscured digital content can only be viewed by
both users for a predetermined period of time before the digital
content is deleted or recalled by the server 104 or the user
devices. The period of time can be an expiration time selected by
the first user in step 202, by the second user in step 212, or
determined by the server 104. In some embodiments, when an
expiration time is not set, the first user can save the shared
second digital content to the first user device 106-1 or other
storage medium, and/or the second user can save the shared first
digital content to the second user device 106-2 or other storage
medium. The process then ends at step 240.
[0059] Process 200 can be modified by, for example, having steps
rearranged, changed, added, and/or removed. As an alternative
embodiment, step 216 and step 226 can be swapped. In that
alternative embodiment, the first user selects to remove one of the
second plurality of fragments before the second user selects to
remove another one of the first plurality of fragments. In some
embodiments, the server 104 or user devices can dynamically obscure
the first and/or the second digital content through different
obscuring methods along the process 200. For example, the server
104 or user devices can, in step 222, display all revealed portions
of the obscured second digital content in one obscuring manner
(e.g., blurring), and, in step 232, reveal all revealed portions of
the obscured second digital content in another obscuring manner
(e.g., such as blending). In some embodiments, users can select to
cancel the process 200 at any step. In some embodiments, one or
more steps can be skipped or bypassed. As an example, step 216 can
be skipped, and the process 200 can proceed directly from step 216
to step 222. As another example, step 228 can be skipped, and the
process 200 can proceed directly from step 216 to step 232. As
described earlier, the first digital content packet can be
generated by the first user device 106-1, the second user device
106-2, or the server 104. The first digital content packet can be
received and/or updated by the first user device 106-1, the second
user device 106-2, or the server 104. The second digital content
packet can be generated by the first user device 106-1, the second
user device 106-2, or the server 104. The second digital content
packet can be received and/or updated by the first user device
106-1, the second user device 106-2, or the server 104.
[0060] In some embodiments, process 200 can be exercised by the
first and the second users while they are using their user devices
for other activities, such as chatting, messaging/texting, calling,
gaming, interacting with social media applications, or interacting
with other applications.
[0061] FIGS. 3(a) to 3(h) illustrate a set of exemplary displays on
a first user device 106-1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosed subject matter, where the first user device 106-1 is a
cellular phone and the displays are in a portrait orientation. FIG.
3(a) illustrates an exemplary display that shows a screen on the
first user device 106-1 comprising four fragments, 302, 304, 306,
and 308, in an adjacent rectangular arrangement from left to right,
where the screen can show various kinds of digital content,
including the first digital content that the first user intends to
share with the second user and the second digital content that the
first user receives from the second user. In some embodiments, the
four fragments, 302, 304, 306, and 308 can be in an adjacent
rectangular arrangement from top to bottom. Under the four
fragments is an obscured version of the second digital content sent
by the second user at the second user device 106-2. The display
also illustrates that, in some embodiments, the user may select a
digital content expiration time, by selecting the clock symbol
located in the bottom right corner. In some embodiments, the first
user can select a different numbers of fragments and/or different
arrangements of fragments for display on the first user device
106-1. In some embodiments, the server 104 can select, on a
predetermined or random basis, different numbers of fragments
and/or different arrangements of fragments for display on the first
user device 106-1.
[0062] FIGS. 3(b) to 3(d) illustrate an example of how the first
user can select to remove a fragment on the screen so that the
first user can see a portion of the underlying obscured second
digital content. Specifically, FIG. 3(b) illustrates that the first
user selects to remove the leftmost fragment 302 on the screen.
FIG. 3(c) illustrates that the first user indicates the selection
by sliding up the leftmost fragment 302. FIG. 3(d) illustrates that
after the leftmost fragment 302 is removed, a portion of the
underlying obscured second digital content is revealed. In an
alternative embodiment, when the first user selects to remove a
fragment displayed on the screen of the first user device 106-1, a
counterpart fragment displayed on the screen of a second user
device 106-2 can also be removed. For example, in that alternative
embodiment, when the first user removes the leftmost fragment 302
displayed on the screen of the first user device 106-1 to see a
portion of the underlying obscured second digital content, a
counterpart leftmost fragment displayed on the screen of the second
user device 106-2 can also be removed so that the second user can
see a portion of underlying obscured first digital content.
Further, although FIGS. 3(b) to 3(d) illustrate that the first user
indicates the selection of a fragment by sliding up the fragment,
other methods of indication can also be used in some embodiments,
such as sliding down, left, right, clicking, tapping, or double
tapping a selected one or more fragments.
[0063] FIG. 3(e) illustrates that the first user has removed three
(i.e., fragments 302, 304, and 306) out of fragments and is going
to remove the last fragment 208, which is a rightmost fragment
displayed on the screen of the first user device 106-1.
[0064] FIG. 3(f) illustrates that the first user has removed all
four fragments 302, 304, 306, and 308 displayed on the screen of
the first user device 106-1, and the whole obscured second digital
content is revealed. In this embodiment, the second digital content
is obscured through blurring. Other obscuring methods can also be
used, such as illustrated by FIGS. 9(a) to 9(j).
[0065] FIG. 3(g) illustrates that the original second digital
content is displayed on the first user device 106-1.
[0066] FIG. 3(h) illustrates that, in some embodiments, the
original second digital content can only be viewed for a
predetermined period of time that was selected by the users or the
server 104. After this expiration time is reached, the original
second digital content can be recalled or deleted by the server 104
or the user devices. In some embodiments, the first user can be
prompted to initiate another digital content sharing process.
Further, as illustrated by FIGS. 3(a) to 3(f), in some embodiments
the first user can choose to end the digital content process at any
time.
[0067] FIGS. 4(a) to 4(h) illustrate a set of exemplary displays on
the second user device 106-2 in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosed subject matter, where the second user device 106-2 is
a computer. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(h) are substantially similar with that
of FIGS. 3(a) to 3(h), respectively. Furthermore, FIGS. 5(a) to
5(h) illustrate a set of exemplary displays on a first user device
106-1 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed
subject matter, where the first user device 106-1 is a cellular
phone and the displays are in a landscape orientation. FIGS. 5(a)
to 5(h) are substantially similar with that of FIGS. 3(a) to 3(h),
respectively.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary display on a user device in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter,
where a plurality of fragments are arranged in a grid pattern.
Fragments 602, 608, 612, and 616 are four of the 16 fragments in
FIG. 6. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates the grid pattern in a
4-fragment by 4-fragment arrangement. Either the user or the sever
104 can choose another arrangement of a grid pattern, such as
3-fragment by 3-fragment, 3-fragment by 4-fragment, 4-fragment by
3-fragment, or any other suitable X-fragment by Y-fragment
arrangement.
[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary display on a user device in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter,
where a plurality of fragments are arranged in an interlocking or
puzzle pattern. Fragments 702, 706, 710, and 718 are four of the 12
fragments in FIG. 7. Although FIG. 7 illustrates 12 puzzle pieces
in a 4-fragment by 3-fragment arrangement, either the user or the
sever 104 can choose other suitable numbers of puzzle pieces and/or
other suitable ways of arrangement.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary display on a user device in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter,
where a plurality of fragments are arranged in a geometric pattern.
Fragments 802, 808, 812, and 816 are four of the 12 fragments in
FIG. 8. The disclosed subject matter includes any other suitable
geometric patterns.
[0071] FIGS. 9(a) to 9(j) illustrate a set of exemplary displays of
obscured digital content with different obscuring methods. The
examples illustrated by FIGS. 9(a) to 9(j) are non-limiting, and
other suitable obscuring methods generally known in the art can
also be used. Specifically, FIG. 9(a) illustrates an exemplary
obscured digital content by fully blacking out the original digital
content. FIG. 9(b) illustrates an exemplary obscured digital
content by partially blacking out the original digital content.
FIG. 9(c) illustrates an exemplary obscured digital content by
graying out the original digital content. FIG. 9(d) illustrates an
exemplary obscured digital content through pixelation, which
includes lowering the resolution of one or more pixels of the
original digital content. FIG. 9(e) illustrates an exemplary
obscured digital content by blending the original digital content
with another digital content. FIG. 9(f) illustrates an exemplary
obscured digital content by overlaying the original digital content
with another digital content. FIG. 9(g) illustrates an exemplary
obscured digital content by adding monochromatic noise to the
original digital content. FIG. 9(h) illustrates an exemplary
obscured digital content by adding a ripple effect to the original
digital content. FIG. 9(i) illustrates an exemplary obscured
digital content by adding a twirl effect to the original digital
content. FIG. 9(j) illustrates an exemplary obscured digital
content by increasing the brightness of the original digital
content.
[0072] The disclosed subject matters do not limit the digital
content sharing process between two users. In some embodiments, one
or more users can initiate the digital content sharing process with
one or more others users: each user will take a turn to select a
fragment to be revealed from all of the digital content being
shared, and all users continue revealing fragments until all
fragments are revealed.
[0073] The disclosed subject matters do not limit the digital
content sharing process to bilateral sharing. In some embodiments,
a sending party, which can include one or more users, can select to
unilaterally share digital content with a recipient party, which
can also include one or more users. The recipient party can receive
the digital content sent by the sending party with the digital
content being overlaid by a plurality of fragments. The sending
party may also indicate how often one fragment can be removed by
the recipient party to reveal the underlying portion of the digital
content, which can be either in an obscured format or an unobscured
format. In some embodiments, the sending party may select to
automatically remove one fragment for every given period, which can
be predetermined by the sending party or the server 104.
[0074] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary unilateral sharing process
on a user device in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed
subject matter. In this embodiment, a car company unilaterally
shares its new car model with a group of users, where the group of
users can be selected based on some predetermined lists, geological
location, other selection criteria, or random selections. Each of
the group of users receives the image of the new car model covered
by seven (or other suitable number of) fragments, where the image
of the new car can model be either in an obscured format or an
unobscured formant. Each of the group of users can reveal and/or
view one fragment per day until all fragments are revealed. If the
underlying image is in the obscured format, it can be converted to
the unobscured format after all fragments are revealed. The car
company can determine whether or not a given user is interested in
the new car model based on the user's interest/activity in
revealing the fragments. If a user timely reveals one fragment
every day, then the user may be interested in the new car model. On
the other hand, if a user does not reveal the fragments or does not
reveal the fragments timely, then the user may not be interested in
the new car model. In some embodiments, the sending party can
select to have fragments automatically revealed based on some
revealing frequency, where the revealing frequency can be selected
by the sending party or randomly selected by the server 104.
[0075] The disclosed subject matters do not limit the digital
content sharing process to image sharing. Other types of digital
content including, without limitation, video, streaming video,
documents, or photographs, can also be shared in fragments. In some
embodiments, a plurality of fragments can overlay one or more video
frames or running video, and users can reveal the fragments in
turn. In some embodiments, video can be obscured through any
suitable obscuring method or combination of methods, including,
without limitation, blurring, pixelation, blacking out, graying
out, blending, overlaying with another image, changing opacity
level, adding noise, adding obscuring effect, changing brightness,
or other suitable obscuring method.
[0076] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a server in accordance with
certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The block
diagram 1100 shows the server 104, which includes a processor 1102,
a memory 1103, interfaces 1104-1108, a data processing module 1109,
a local network storage 108, a remote network storage 110, an
Intranet 1111, and the Internet 1112. The server 104 can
communicate with user device devices 106 (not shown) via the
interface 1104; the server 104 can communicate with the local
network storage medium 108 via the interface 1105; the server 104
can communicate with the remote network storage medium 110 via the
interface 1106; the server 104 can communicate with the Intranet
511 via the interface 1107; and the server 104 can communicate with
the Internet 512 via the interface 1108. The interfaces 1104-1108
are shown as separate interfaces but may be the same physical
interface.
[0077] The data processing module 1109 can be configured to (a)
receive a first digital content from a first user device 106-1 and
a second digital content from a second user device 106-2; (b)
generate a first digital content packet comprising: obscuring the
first digital content to generate a first obscured digital content,
and overlaying a screen comprising a first plurality of fragments
on top of the first obscured digital content; (c) generate a second
digital content packet comprising: obscuring the second digital
content to generate a second obscured digital content, and
overlaying a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments on
top of the second obscured digital content; (d) send the first
digital content packet to the second user device 106-2 and the
second digital content packet to the first user device 106-1; (e)
receive a selection of at least one fragment from the first
plurality of fragments from the second user device 106-2 or the
second plurality of fragments from the first user device 106-1, and
in response: if the selection of the at least one fragment is from
the first plurality of fragments from the second user device 106-2,
update the first digital content packet by removing the selected at
least one fragment from the first plurality of fragments to reveal
at least one underlying portion of the first obscured digital
content and the second digital content packet by removing at least
one counterpart fragment from the second plurality of fragments to
reveal at least one underlying portion of the second obscured
digital content, and if the selection of the at least one fragment
is from the second plurality of fragments from the first user
device 106-1, update the second digital content packet by removing
the selected at least one fragment from the second plurality of
fragments to reveal at least one underlying portion of the second
obscured digital content and the first digital content packet by
removing at least one counterpart fragment from the first plurality
of fragments to reveal at least one underlying portion of the first
obscured digital content; (f) send the updated first digital
content packet to the second user device 106-2 and the updated
second digital content packet to the first user device 106-1; (g)
repeat steps (e) to (f) until all of the first plurality of
fragments and all of the second plurality of fragments are removed;
and (h) send the first digital content to the second user device
106-2 and the second digital content to the first user device
106-1.
[0078] In some embodiments, the data processing module 1109 can be
further configured to receive a request from the first user device
106-1 or the second user device 106-2 to terminate the sharing of
digital contents during at least one of steps (a) to (h); and in
response, prevent from sending (1) any of the first digital content
packet, the updated first digital content packet, and the first
digital content to the second user device 106-2, and (2) any of the
second digital content packet, the updated second digital content
packer, and the second digital content to the first user device
106-1.
[0079] In some embodiments, the data processing module 1109 that is
configured to repeat step (e) can be further configured to: if the
selection of the at least one fragment is from the first plurality
of fragments from the second user device 106-2, receive the at
least one counterpart fragment from the second plurality of
fragments from the first user device 106-1, and if the selection of
the at least one fragment is from the second plurality of fragments
from the first user device 106-1, receive the at least one
counterpart fragment from the first plurality of fragments from the
second user device 106-2.
[0080] In some embodiments, the data processing module 1109 can be
further configured to receive a digital content expiration time
from the first user device 106-1 or the second user device 106-2;
and recall the first digital content from the second user device
106-2 and the second digital content from the first user device
106-1 when the digital content expiration time is reached.
[0081] In some embodiments, the data processing module 1109 can
reside in a user device (e.g., the first user device 106-1) and can
be configured to (a) receive a first digital content; (b) generate
a first digital content packet, wherein the first digital content
packet comprises: a first obscured digital content that obscures
the first digital content, and a first screen comprising a first
plurality of fragments, wherein the first screen overlays on top of
the first obscured digital content; (c) send the first digital
content packet to the server 104 or; (d) receive a second digital
content packet from the server 104, wherein the second digital
content packet comprises: a second obscured digital content by
obscuring the second digital content, and a second screen
comprising a second plurality of fragments, wherein the second
screen overlays on top of the second obscured digital content; (e)
receive a selection of at least one fragment from the first
plurality of fragments from the server 104 or the second plurality
of fragments from the first user device 106-1, and in response: if
the selection of the at least one fragment is from the first
plurality of fragments from the server 104, update the second
digital content packet by removing at least one counterpart
fragment from the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least
one underlying portion of the second obscured digital content, and
if the selection of the at least one fragment is from the second
plurality of fragments from the first user device 106-1, update the
second digital content packet by removing the selected at least one
fragment from the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least
one underlying portion of the second obscured digital content; (f)
repeat step (e) until all of the second plurality of fragments are
removed; (g) send the first digital content to the server 104; and
(h) receive the second digital content from the server 104.
[0082] In some embodiments, the data processing module 1109 can
reside in a user device (e.g., the first user device 106-1) and can
be configured to (a) receive a selection of a first digital
content; (b) send the first digital content to the server 104 or
the second user device 106-2; (c) receive a second digital content
from the server 104 or the second user device 106-2; (d) generate
and display a second digital content packet comprising: a second
obscured digital content that obscures the second digital content,
and a screen comprising a second plurality of fragments, wherein
the screen overlays on top of the second obscured digital content;
(e) receive a selection of at least one fragment from (1) a first
plurality of fragments associated with the first digital content
from the server 104 or the second user device 106-2, or (2) the
second plurality of fragments, and in response: if the selection of
the at least one fragment is from the first plurality of fragments
from the server 104 or the second user device 106-2, update the
second digital content packet by removing at least one counterpart
fragment from the second plurality of fragments to reveal at least
one underlying portion of the second obscured digital content, and
if the selection of the at least one fragment is from the second
plurality of fragments, update the second digital content packet by
removing the selected at least one fragment from the second
plurality of fragments to reveal at least one underlying portion of
the second obscured digital content; (f) repeat step (e) until (1)
all of the second plurality of fragments are removed and (2) an
indication is received from the server 104 or the second user
device 106-2 that all of the first plurality of fragments are
removed; and (g) reveal the second digital content.
[0083] In some embodiments, the data processing module 1109 can
reside in a user device (e.g., the first user device 106-1) and can
be further configured to receive a request from the first user
device 106-1, the server 104, or the second user device 106-2 to
terminate the sharing of digital content during at least one of
steps (a) to (g); and in response, (1) prevent from sending the
first digital content to the second user device or the server, and
(2) delete the second digital content.
[0084] In some embodiments, the data processing module 1109 can
reside in a user device (e.g., the first user device 106-1). The
data processing module 1109 that is configured to repeat step (e)
can be further configured to: if the selection of the at least one
fragment is from the second plurality of fragments, send the
selection of the at least one fragment from the second plurality of
fragments to the server 104 or the second user device 106-2.
[0085] In some embodiments, the data processing module 1109 can
reside in a user device (e.g., the first user device 106-1) and can
be further configured to receive a digital content expiration time
from the first user device 106-1, the server 104, or the second
user device 106-2; and recall the first digital content from the
second user device 106-2 and the second digital content from the
first user device 106-1 when the digital content expiration time is
reached.
[0086] The data processing module 1109 can be implemented in
software using the memory 1103. The memory 1103 can be a
non-transitory computer readable medium, flash memory, a magnetic
disk drive, an optical drive, a PROM, a ROM, or any other memory or
combination of memories. The software can run on a processor 1102
capable of executing computer instructions or computer code. The
processor 1102 might also be implemented in hardware using an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic
array (PLA), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other
integrated circuit.
[0087] FIG. 11 shows the server 104 having data processing module
1109 that performs the above-described operations in accordance
with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The
server 104 may include additional modules, less modules, or any
other suitable combination of modules that perform any suitable
operation or combination of operations.
[0088] The interfaces 1104-1108 provide an input and/or output
mechanism to communicate over a network. The interfaces 1104-1108
enable communication with user devices, as well as other network
nodes in the communication network 102. The interfaces 1104-1108
can be implemented in hardware to send and receive signals in a
variety of mediums, such as optical, copper, and wireless, and in a
number of different protocols some of which may be
non-transient.
[0089] The server 104 can operate using an operating system (OS)
software. In some embodiments, the OS software is based on a Linux
software kernel and runs specific applications in the server such
as monitoring tasks and providing protocol stacks. The OS software
allows server resources to be allocated separately for control and
data paths. For example, certain packet accelerator cards and
packet services cards are dedicated to performing routing or
security control functions, while other packet accelerator
cards/packet services cards are dedicated to processing user
session traffic. As network requirements change, hardware resources
can be dynamically deployed to meet the requirements in some
embodiments.
[0090] In some embodiments, the server 104 can reside in a data
center and form a node in a cloud computing infrastructure. The
server 104 can also provide services on demand. A module hosting a
user device is capable of migrating from one server to another
server seamlessly, without causing program faults or system
breakdown. The server 104 on the cloud can be managed using a
management system.
[0091] The user device 106 can include user equipment. The user
equipment communicates with one or more radio access networks and
with wired communication networks. The user equipment can be a
cellular phone having phonetic communication capabilities. The user
equipment can also be a smart phone providing services such as word
processing, web browsing, gaming, e-book capabilities, an operating
system, and a full keyboard. The user equipment can also be a
tablet computer providing network access and most of the services
provided by a smart phone. The user equipment operates using an
operating system such as Symbian OS, iPhone OS, RIM's Blackberry,
Windows Mobile, Linux, HP WebOS, and Android. The screen might be a
touch screen that is used to input data to the mobile device, in
which case the screen can be used instead of the full keyboard. The
user equipment can also keep global positioning coordinates,
profile information, or other location information.
[0092] The user device 106 also includes any platforms capable of
computations and communication. Non-limiting examples can include
televisions (TVs), video projectors, set-top boxes or set-top
units, digital video recorders (DVR), computers, netbooks, laptops,
and any other audio/visual equipment with computation capabilities.
The user device 106 is configured with one or more processors that
process instructions and run software that may be stored in memory.
The processor also communicates with the memory and interfaces to
communicate with other devices. The processor can be any applicable
processor such as a system-on-a-chip that combines a CPU, an
application processor, and flash memory. The user device 106 can
also provide a variety of user interfaces such as a keyboard, a
touch screen, a trackball, a touch pad, and/or a mouse. The user
device 106 may also include speakers and a display device in some
embodiments.
[0093] In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matters, the
server 104 can reside in the first user device 106-1 or the second
user device 106-2. In some embodiments, the data processing module
1109 can reside in the first user device 106-1 or the second user
device 106-2. In some embodiments, the first user device 106-1
and/or the second user device 106-2 can have separate data
processing modules that are similar to the data processing module
1109. Throughout the disclosed subject matters, any function that
is handled by the server 104 can also be handled by the first user
device 106-1, the second user device 106-2, or any suitable
combination of the server 104, the first user device 106-1, or the
second user device 106-2. Throughout the disclosed subject matters,
any function that is handled by the first user device 106-1 can
also be handled by the server 104, the second user device 106-2, or
any suitable combination of the server 104, the first user device
106-1, or the second user device 106-2. Throughout the disclosed
subject matters, any function that is handled by the second user
device 106-2 can also be handled by the server 104, the first user
device 106-1, or any suitable combination of the server 104, the
first user device 106-1, or the second user device 106-2.
[0094] It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject
matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0095] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, systems,
methods and media for carrying out the several purposes of the
disclosed subject matter. It is important, therefore, that the
claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0096] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and
illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is
understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of
example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation
of the disclosed subject matter may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter, which is
limited only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *